Confirm the agreement before collecting files
Onboarding begins after the scope, price, payment schedule and revision limits are accepted. A welcome message cannot repair an unclear agreement, so make sure both sides understand what is included before production starts.
Summarize the deliverables, important dates and immediate next action in plain language. The client should know exactly what must happen before the project can move forward.
Ask for decisions, not a pile of documents
A useful questionnaire gathers the business goal, audience, desired action, brand direction, required content and decision-makers. Every question should help you make or confirm a project decision.
Separate required items from optional references. Give files consistent names and one destination so feedback, logos and copy do not become scattered across email threads.
Define communication and approval rules
State where updates will happen, how quickly each side normally responds and who can approve the work. Explain what happens when content or feedback arrives late.
Finish onboarding with a short kickoff summary. Record the goal, agreed direction, open questions and next milestone so everyone begins from the same version of the project.